Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a chronic illness that significantly impacts the quality of life for many patients. Managing POTS naturally involves a combination of lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, brain retraining techniques, and addressing underlying conditions. This guide provides a detailed approach on how to treat POTS naturally, using scientifically-backed methods that can help you to better manage your symptoms and feel like you again.
At re-origin, we’ve helped thousands of people decrease symptoms of chronic health conditions like anxiety, depression, POTS, and chronic pain, by using the power of neuroplasticity. Learn more about the re-origin program here.
Understanding POTS: Symptoms and Causes
What is POTS?
Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a form of dysautonomia, a disorder of the autonomic nervous system that controls involuntary functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion. POTS is characterized by an excessive increase in heart rate and difficulty regulating blood pressure when moving from lying to standing position. This condition often results in blood pooling in the lower extremities and symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, and low blood pressure. Patients with POTS experience difficulty regulating their blood pressure and volume, making it hard forthe body to maintain blood pressure during posture changes¹.
Common Symptoms of POTS
- Increased Heart Rate: A hallmark of POTS is a rapid increase in heart rate when standing.
- Low Blood Pressure: Many patients experience drops in blood pressure, leading to dizziness and fainting.
- Blood Pooling: Poor blood vessel constriction can cause blood to pool in the legs.
- Brain Fog: Difficulty concentrating or experiencing cognitive issues is a common symptom.
- Chronic Fatigue: Constant tiredness and lack of energy affect daily life.
- Abdominal Pain: Some patients report stomach pain and irritable bowel syndrome².
Root Causes of POTS
The exact cause of POTS is not fully understood, but research suggests it is a complex condition often linked to autoimmune disorders, adrenal or thyroid disorders, genetic predispositions, and hypovolemia³.
- Autoimmune Conditions: Patients with POTS may also suffer from celiac disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, or lupus, suggesting an immune component.
- Adrenal and Thyroid Disorders: Hormonal imbalances can mimic POTS symptoms, as seen in conditions like Addison’s disease and hyperthyroidism¹.
- Genetic Predispositions: Some families have a history of POTS symptoms, implying a possible genetic link.
- Hypovolemia: Low blood volume exacerbates dizziness and fainting, which is common in hypovolemic POTS⁴.
- Neuropathic and Hyperadrenergic POTS: Neuropathic POTS involves nerve damage affecting blood vessels, while hyperadrenergic POTS involves an overactive sympathetic nervous system, leading to excess norepinephrine production³.
Can POTS Be Treated Naturally?
Yes, natural methods such as lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and brain retraining have been shown to help manage POTS. These strategies improve blood circulation, balance blood pressure, and reduce the severity of symptoms.
How to Treat POTS Naturally
Brain Retraining for POTS
Brain retraining techniques like neuroplasticity exercises can help patients manage symptoms by calming the nervous system and changing the brain’s response to triggers. Retraining involves:
- Self-Directed Brain Retraining: Programs like re-origin help patients reset their nervous systems and reduce symptoms like brain fog, chronic fatigue, and heart palpitations.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT can reduce anxiety and alter negative thought patterns, reducing the intensity of symptoms⁴.
- Mindfulness Practices: Meditation and relaxation exercises help regulate the autonomic nervous system and improve overall well-being⁵.
- Graded Exercise Therapy (GET): Gradually increasing physical activity allows patients to adapt to changes in blood flow and circulation⁶.
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Adequate Hydration: POTS patients often suffer from low blood volume. Increasing fluid intake helps maintain blood pressure and improve blood flow.
- Compression Socks: Wearing compression stockings can reduce blood pooling in the legs, preventing dizziness.
- Upright Exercise: Exercises like swimming and recumbent biking are less likely to trigger symptoms and help regulate circulation.
- Shower Chair: Reduces the strain of standing for prolonged periods, which can worsen symptoms during activities like showering.
Dietary Changes
- Increase Salt Intake: Salt helps retain water and elevate blood pressure, reducing dizziness and fainting. Incorporate naturally salty foods like olives, pickles, and salted nuts, or use salt tablets as needed⁴.
- Eat Smaller Meals: Large meals can divert blood flow to the digestive system, exacerbating symptoms. Eating smaller and more frequent meals helps avoid blood pooling in the stomach and abdominal pain⁷.
- Gluten-Free Diet: A gluten-free diet can significantly improve POTS symptoms for those with celiac disease⁸.
Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies
Certain deficiencies can worsen POTS symptoms. Addressing these through diet or supplements can help manage symptoms:
- Vitamin B12: Deficiency can cause worsening fatigue and cognitive issues⁹.
- Magnesium: Ensures proper nerve signaling and muscle function, improving blood vessel health¹⁰.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can worsen symptoms like dizziness and chronic fatigue¹¹.
Natural Remedies
- Peppermint or Lavender Aromatherapy: These scents have calming effects that can reduce anxiety and symptom flares.
- Energy Drinks: Although controversial, some POTS patients find that drinks with electrolytes and salt provide temporary relief from blood pressure fluctuations.
Achieve Symptom Relief by Managing POTS Naturally
Managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome naturally requires a holistic approach that combines lifestyle changes, brain retraining, dietary adjustments, and addressing underlying health conditions. POTS patients can significantly improve their quality of life through a multifaceted approach. You can begin to take steps towards healing and start feeling like you again!
At re-origin, we’ve helped thousands of people decrease symptoms of chronic health conditions like anxiety, depression, POTS, and chronic pain, by using the power of neuroplasticity. Learn more about the re-origin program here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vitamins help with POTS?
Vitamins like Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Iron can help manage POTS symptoms by improving blood flow and reducing fatigue⁹¹⁰¹¹.
What deficiencies cause POTS?
Common deficiencies among POTS patients include Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Iron, all of which can exacerbate symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and brain fog⁹¹⁰¹¹.
